Homes

Modernist architecture takes on an exemplary form in this sumptuous Hyderabad abode by Kanan Modi Associates

APR 15, 2019 | By Nitija Shastri
The living room seamlessly opens out to the outdoor space. The artwork in the living room is from the client’s personal collection. Set against the slatted wall, is a sofa by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso, complemented by a large coffee table in burnished brass by Massimo Castagna for Henge; Photographs by Photographix
Dining space is separated from the living area by a 20ft moving wall, which offers privacy when needed; Photographs by Photographix
The dining area is replete with a table by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, chairs by Bartoli design for Bonaldo and Ingo light by Ron Gilad for Moooi. An abstract art piece by Pratul Dash brightens up the room; Photographs by Photographix
The family room opens towards the garden. Raw material such as hot rolled steel is used as wall cladding juxtaposed against a sleek steel staircase. Furniture in this space includes Cave sofa by Mauro Lipparini for Bonaldo, Iron tree cocktail tables by Wood & Cane Design for Roche Bobois and Imola armchair by BoConcept; Photographs by Photographix
The entrance door at 10ft high, seamlessly integrates with the entire wall. Made of vertical oak slats, it opens up to a large faceted stone wall; Photographs by Photographix
The bedroom emphasises crisp detailing and plenty of natural light. While the Cirque suspended lights are by Clara von Zweigbergk for Louis Poulsen, the oak flooring is sourced from Mikasa; Photographs by Photographix
Chandigarh chair from Phillips Antiques basks in the morning sun. While the wall is covered with vintage family pictures, the sky-lit staircase has louvred ventilators with a filtering exhaust system that exhales accumulated hot air; Photographs by Photographix

Within Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad rests a dwelling that looks like an interesting play of levels almost stacked up like toy blocks. Sprawling over a 6,000 sq ft area, the home, designed by Kanan Modi of Kanan Modi Associates for a family of four, is adorned with sumptuous interiors, contemporary rooms and a well-manicured garden—the property is synonymous with understated opulence. Long faceted stone walls welcome you right at the entrance.

Tread a few steps in and the aesthetics are clear—neutral hues and furniture with clean lines. Falling in love already? Exposed concrete and local stonework are the primary building materials—it feels as if shadows and metal have become intertwined within the space, appearing as an extension of one another.

“The intent of our design was to create clean seamlessness, inspired by Modernist Architecture. We wanted to create a balance between the midcentury modern and the New Age dynamism,” says Kanan. Controlled natural light streams into every corner through vertical slits. Public spaces are divided by moving walls, which are hidden within a pocket when not in use.

Set against the oak slatted wall is the sofa by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso and orange armchair by Cédric Rago; Photographs by Photographix

The living space, also the architect’s favourite, opens out to the verdant garden. “Covered with lush landscape, it doesn’t feel so close to the streets,” she says. Quirky lamps and kaleidoscopic wall patterns embellish the powder room which was built using leftover stone from construction. “We mixed various shades and textures of local stones, and created a unique pattern,” says the architect.

A passageway with a striking, faceted wall within the home; Photographs by Photographix

The open staircase leading to the first level features a brightly-lit timber railing meticulously concealed within the wall. The daughters’ bedrooms are set in a monolithic theme, using an oak and concrete material palette. The family home aesthetic blends effortlessly into the modern silhouettes. “Although it is contemporary, I would still call it comforting,” asserts Kanan.

Scroll to see more images from this home by Kanan Modi Associates… 

The hand-textured stone wall at the entrance and Spun chair by Thomas Heatherwick for Magis builds character within the space; Photographs by Photographix

 

The patterned stone in the powder room lends a unique reflection on the polished wall; Photographs by Photographix